On March 23, 2023 ABS Extended Stopping Distance on snow / slush surface proceeding downhill on a 4 lane highway (7200 South Wasatch Blvd. Midvale Utah). Other vehicles around me were stopping without issue. I noticed my ABS brakes were making the (typical operating sound a type of grinding) and I wasn't stopping. I changed lanes twice to provide for more stopping distance and eventually stopped in the left turn lane within 2 feet from rear-ending other cars had I remained in the inside lane. Located Investigation EA94-038 noting 10,000 complaints, 2000 accidents, 600 injuries. Chevrolet Safety campaign 99I006000 addressing a PCM coding change and replacing the Kelsey Hayes ABS actuator unit. Chevrolet at 800‑222‑1020 declined to say whether this recall was in force, was a valid recall or had ever existed.
The worst 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes442
- Visibility183
- Engine150
- Suspension149
- Transmission96
- Electrical62
- Airbags56
- Fuel system37
- Acceleration29
- Body29
- Seat belts29
- Steering28
- Lights24
- Wheels22
- Tires14
- Locks11
- Seats11
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
ABS 173Wipers 140Brake failure 132Ball joint 111No deployment 43Grinding brakes 28Overheating 18Fire or smoke 17Transmission failure 15Premature wear 12Seat belt 12Headlights 11Stalling 11Power steering loss 10Fuel pump 9Slipping 9Fuel smell 8Loss of power 8Engine failure 7Harsh shifting 7Sudden acceleration 7Spongy pedal 6Pulling 6Check engine light 5
Recalls 6
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
- Risk
- If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 03V159000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. Failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion.
- Risk
- This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. Owner notification began september 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 01V200000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
- Risk
- If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
- Risk
- This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Recall number 97V096001 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
- Risk
- If an ignition source is present, and there is a fuel leak, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Recall number 96V234000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
Defect investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v‑150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
EA02006
Upper and lower control arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
EA99022
Front seat recliner bolt failure
RQ99015
Upper control arm ball joint breakage
An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.
PE99021
Steering shaft separations
Coupling bolts, joining the steering shaft, may separate.in some cases, total unforeseen, loss of steering control may result.
EA97007
Seat belt webbing separation
The federal safety agency's new car assessment program (ncap) tested a 1997 chevrolet s-10 extended cab pickup equipped with a driver-side air bag.the front passenger seat belt was completely cut during the test.
EA97004
Abs braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v‑193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
EA94038
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 49
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Engine and engine cooling
- Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds
- Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case
1996 Chevrolet Blazer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-22 | 17-18 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 20 | 16-17 |
What 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. While driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard from the brakes when the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel began to seize and the turn signals began to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts, and both driver and passenger side brake pads and rotors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 142,185.
Driving approx. 35 MPH north on 5700 blk of tacony st philadelphia pa 19137, 2005 silver honda pulls out of drive way hits the rear passenger side and rear passenger tire of truck, truck then spins and flips over. No air bag deployed at all sustained injuries. Was taken by rescue to hospital.
Car accident was may 2008 was reported to usaa insurance and nc commissioner. I am former us army spouse and contractor 15 years. I am back at home of record. I have lost over $5000 to this incident and I deal with added medical disabilities from this dealing with chronic back, tbi ptsd and brain injury to left side. Confirmed with cat scan and army womack hospital. Did not have health care at the time. I have had ignition switch. The light bulb dealing with nc testing issues costing me with testing. Ohio thanks goodness not. But brights don't come on. Radio clock stays on drained battery in the past. Also, there was a problem with the brakes. I tried to get a service but didn't know where in dayton , ohio.....updated10/20/15
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the brakes failed and the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the pressure modulator valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the part was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 5/4/15*cn the consumer stated the ABS midule shorted out. Updated 05/07/15
Brake performance had started to degrade on last trip to lake place (200 miles round trip). Pedal seemed softer than normal brake warning light came on and stayed lit.. Once at home check fluid which was low. Added some fluid. Brake light went out tried several hard stops in drive way and pedal travel went almost to floor. Observed brake fluid on the ground adjacent to fuel tank on drivers side. Drivers side frame rail was wet with brake fluid. Further investigation revealed dirt packed around rear brake line on top of ramp rail. Brake line was found to be severely degraded on top of the frame rail extending all the way to the junction with the rubber rear splitter line. Had to replace line from junction at rear splitter up to the junction at the frame rail near the front drivers side tire. Very disturbing to have a two foot section of brake line so severely compromised. This seems to be a common problem and related to the build up of compacted dirt on the frame rail carrying the rear brake line. Should be a recall or at least a notification to have the area inspected for compromised bake lines.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer equipped with definity tires ex600, size 235-70-r15 (n/a). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for a routine tire rotation when he was informed that the front driver's side tire belt became separated. In addition, the passenger's side rear and front tires were prematurely worn. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 50,000. The vehicle approximate current mileage was 153,000. Updated 12/18/13
I have a 1996 chevy blazer 4wd 4.3l central port fuel injection. The #4 fuse which is my gauge fuse keeps blowing and when it blows my instrument cluster zeros out and I have no clue what my speed is what my rpms are what my fuel level its, etc. My alternator stops charging and my vehical eventually stalls out due to the battery draining.
Put the cigarette lighter in. Got out of my car and walked to the front of the car. By the time got back to the door of the car to get my things out for work the dashboard of my car was on fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when the interior caught on fire. The fire department came and extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the origin of the fire was from the heater. Three weeks prior to the fire, the vehicle had regular maintenance performed. There were no injuries and the vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was unknown.
Compare the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
Blazer vs Jeep Grand CherokeeBlazer vs Ford EdgeBlazer vs Subaru OutbackBlazer vs Hyundai Santa FeBlazer vs Nissan MuranoBlazer vs Toyota 4RUNNERBlazer vs Honda Passport
Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
Owners have filed 1,152 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 20.9 times a typical Blazer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
Brakes, with 442 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles. Next is visibility (183).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer have?
6 recalls, covering visibility, suspension and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V193000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Blazer have bad brakes?
The Chevrolet Blazer model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (531 complaints), 1996 (442 complaints) and 1994 (434 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 20-22 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history